My Experience Joining a Dance Team at USC: Breakon2
by Kayla Bowens ‘25
The night of my audition for the dance team Breakon2 was a Thursday. I decided to tag along with my roommate because I had nothing better to do, making a very spur of the moment decision to even try out. We learned the basic salsa steps and a short combo before filming two pieces with members of the team. When I was filming my second clip, dancing with a member of the team, he reminded me to “just have fun,” and that’s when everything clicked. The dance team recognized an energy in me that I’m only now recognizing in myself after spending so much time with my teammates. Even though I was nervous about committing to the team, once I joined, I felt like my talents and personality were truly desired for the first time in a while at USC.
I was a dancer before auditioning for the team, but had little experience with Latin dance, so I guess I’m proof that having a notable personality and a love for dance or even a passion for learning is enough. Being on this team has broadened my knowledge and proficiency in dance in general and has allowed me to become more in touch with part of my culture.
Prior to my acceptance onto this team, I had no clue what Breakon2 was and joined on a total whim. A good friend of mine was on the team the year prior and recruited me and a few other friends to join. If you’re unfamiliar with the club like I was, here’s the quick pitch: Breakon2 is a student-led Latin-fusion dance team at USC. The team celebrates historical Latin figures, as well as various Latin dance forms. While the team hosts auditions and requires yearly dues to join the performance team, if you want to simply start learning Latin dance like salsa, bachata, chacha, and merengue the club annex is open for anyone to join. Breakon2 is open to undergraduates, graduate students, and masters students.
At USC, there are so many different communities, clubs, and organizations to be a part of, so it can be hard to find one where you feel you belong, but this team is it for me. I have found a group that I consider family and being a part of this team has made my time at USC significantly better. I only wish I was able to find it earlier.
If you don’t feel ready to commit to joining the team, Breakon2 hosts a salsa night open to everyone featuring an hour lesson followed by social dancing. These events are the first Friday of every month and usually held in Mudd Hall from 8-11 p.m. Admission is $5, and updates are always available on the team Instagram page.
Currently, my team and I are working hard to perfect our routine for the showcase, which will be at Bovard Auditorium on April 5. The link to the free tickets are found on our instagram @uscbreakon2, come celebrate 20 years of Breakon2 with us!
Want more from Trojans 360?
Visit Trojans 360 on Facebook & Twitter to stay up to date with more student content! You can also Ask A Trojan an anonymous question, and we’ll try to answer it in a future post. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram!
Trojans 360 is USC’s official student-run blog. Content created by students, for students.
